20 Mess-Free Valentine’s Day Crafts Kids (& Moms) Will Love
Valentine's Day is all about letting the people we love know how much we care. Sometimes we do that with a fancy meal or a big bouquet of flowers. Some of us choose chocolates (me!) or jewelry as our love language of choice. Hugs and kisses are always acceptable, too, especially from our kids. But the whole too-young-for-a-job thing doesn't mean kids still don't want in on the Valentine's Day gift-giving fun. Which is why a handmade gift or card is a great way for kids to share the love in February.
Some parents cringe at the thought of busting out the craft supplies with young kids. We get it -- no matter how adorable their paint squiggles that sorta look like hearts are, having to scrape paint off the table when they're done is a major pain. And with school and work schedules to juggle, finding a chunk of time to do a craft together can be a big challenge. Luckily, there's plenty of quick and simple, low-mess Valentine's Day crafts for kids that will help them make something special for friends and family without having to devote an entire afternoon to making a craft explosion and then and cleaning up.
From rose rings made out of pipe cleaners, which they'll want to wear all year, to pretty mosaic hearts the grandparents will love to display, we've rounded up 20 low-mess Valentine's Day crafts for kids that are low-stress, low-mess and tons of fun. (We even found a way to let them play with paint without any splatters -- Score!) Scroll through for inspiration, and get ready to help the kids make something special for the ones they love.
Shake Paint Hearts
These shake paint hearts from No Time For Flash Cards are a fun way to let toddlers explore a new medium without risking the carpet.
Toilet Roll Heart Robot
An empty toilet paper roll and some basic craft supplies allow kids to make these fun little heart robots from Non-Toy Gifts.
Cupid Arrows
These simple cupid arrows from Homework use real twigs, giving kids a chance to get outside and burn off some energy before getting their craft on.
Hole Punch Hearts
A great way for kids to practice fine motor skills, these hole punch hearts from No Time For Flashcards are a mess-free way to decorate up a window or doorway.
Paper Plate Woven Hearts
There's no wrong way to make these paper plate woven hearts from Happy Hooligans, making them a good craft for tiny perfectionists.
Heart Necklaces
Kids will love making these heart necklaces from Makes and Takes. String one up for a bestie, or go wild and make them for the whole class.
A Pizza My Heart Craft
Older kids will love this pizza pun paper plate craft from Surviving A Teacher's Salary.
Ribbon Heart Valentine's Day Card
Put scraps of ribbon and yarn to good use with these adorable ribbon heart cards from Happy Hooligans.
Pipe Cleaner Rose Ring
These pipe cleaner rose rings from Ring-O Crafts are so pretty, mom might just have to make one for herself!
Scrap Paper Heart
Glue and scrap paper let toddlers design this one-of-a-kind heart mosaic from Solis Plus One.
Paper Heart Bouquet
Decorating and cutting out this paper heart bouquet from Makes and Takes is a great way to fill a Valentine's Day afternoon with the kids.
Button Heart
A button heart, like this one from Dream A Little Bigger, lets kids use their puzzle-solving skills and makes a craft parents will actually want out on display (sorry, paper plate hats!).
Love Monsters
These silly lil love monsters from Eighteen25 are so fun to make, the kids will want to create a whole family of new friends.
Paper Heart Wreath
Using paper and a mini stapler, older kids can help create this pretty paper heart wreath from Hello Wonderful that reminds us spring is on the way.
Clay Dough Hearts
These clay dough hearts from Happy Hooligans come together easily with just two basic pantry staples. Kids can add glitter, paint them, or decorate them using markers.
Heart Glasses
Super simple to make and tons of silly fun, kids will love creating these pipe cleaner heart glasses from Makes and Takes.
Heart Flowers
These sweet little heart flowers from Fun Family Crafts make a quick and easy Valentine's Day craft.
Fingerprint Heart Rocks
These fingerprint rocks from Hello Wonderful make sweet keepsakes for grandparents and friends.
Yarn Heart
The winding string needed to make this colorful yarn heart from Hands On As We Grow makes it a great craft for kids with lots of energy.
Heart Suncatchers
These versatile heart suncatchers from The Artful Parent are a mess-free way to brighten up the windows for Valentine's Day without buying store-made clings.